I lived at Site 17 for two years because of its location and its industrial aesthetic. I rented a two-story loft unit on the south end of the building, which are arguably the most unique rental units in Belltown.

I've been generally satisfied with life at Site 17. The staff is most helpful, and maintenance requests are usually fixed right the first time. However, for $1250/month, this is a reasonable expectation.

For those of you out there considering one of these units, I'd like to share a few aspects that may not be immediately obvious:

1. Car break-ins - Over my two years there, the garages were raided at least three times. My car was broken into once (there are three garages). The problem is that residents drive off, leaving the common garage door open for others to enter. The property has not to date invested in cameras or other deterrents despite this fact. You're subject to your neighbor's own regard for your car's security.

2. Maintenance - The property has seemed to slowly sink into lesser maintenance over the two years. For instance, the carpets on the second floor have become dingier and dingier without relief over my time there. Improvements that were mentioned when I signed my lease, such as a jacuzzi on the roof, have not been implemented (note this was never explicitly promised, only mentioned).

3. Heat/cold in loft units - The lofts are great, but mine in the winter was freezing (two tiny electric heaters for the vast amount of air space, added to icy concrete floors), and in the summer it was scorching (think 85 F) with no way to cool the place down. As it's across from the day laborer's center, and nearly at street level, I never felt comfortable opening my windows while I was gone, which meant I would return home to a 90F apartment. You can tilt open the windows and turn on the fan, but they have a negligable effect.

4. Noise - The windows are double paned, which does well to keep noise out when they're closed. But on hot days, you must open your window, and then you take in all of the noise of the viaduct, Western avenue, the day laborers, drunk people (on weekends), the Battery street tunnel exit, and of course, cars revving their engines outside your window as they climb Battery street. The walls between the loft units are also fairly thin, so you can hear your neighbors climbing stairs, watching TV, or... well, you know how it goes.

After two years, the noise and temperatures have become too much for me... so I'm moving. If you think you can manage these problems, then Site 17 has loads to offer, including a great staff. Just don't say you haven't been warned.

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